Celebrities Staffing Newsletter - August 2013 Issue

Welcome to the August edition of our newsletter, our tool for keeping you informed about the latest happenings in the celebrity service industry. View this email in your browser  Undoubtedly, celebrities are known for their ultra-luxurious lifestyles, as they can afford the best that money can buy. Most people often forget that celebs work very intense, long hours when earning the big bucks to pay for their lifestyles. When celebrities do get that break from their hard work, they are the first to trot out of town and indulge in some R and R with their families, friends and loved ones. Check out how and where some of the hottest celebrity families vacation together during their free time!   Power couple Will and Jada Smith are often seen jetting to Hawaii with their children, Jaden and Willow, when they are not too busy filming major blockbuster films or recording hit songs. The Smiths are always incorporating fitness activities into their vacations rather than using the time to take a break from working out. Will and Jada love to hit the golf course and paddle board together; Jaden and Willow enjoy getting their workout by surfing the wild waves. While the romantic couple enjoys getaways with whole family, it is important to them to spend one-on-one time with each other. They like to coordinate outfits with one another and enjoy leisurely activities like taking strolls along the beach or grabbing drinks to wind down. The funny man and his super-toned wife have also been photographed heating up Hawaii sneaking in kisses with each other in between rounds of golf!     Family man P. Diddy always manages to squeeze in time for his six adorable children. He loves getting away from his day-to-day routine. Does P. Diddy even have a day-to-day routine? In July, Diddy shared video footage of him and his family celebrating Independence Day in the Bahamas. When he wasn't lounging by the water and soaking up the sun, he participated in exciting activities, one of which he tweeted to his followers: "Swimming with the dolphins. #Combs Vacation." Mr. Combs linked an Instagram video of himself being pushed by a dolphin through the feral waves of the Dolphin Cay Atlantis resort. In the video he lets the world know that this is just like every other day, "I'm about to go swimming with the dolphins 'cause that's how I do . . . This is how we do. Combs family vacation.  Ain't nothin' but another day. Take that," he declares. The music mogul has been organizing parties his entire life and he is adamant that he treat himself to something epic at least once a year. "Every year, me and a small, secret crew of people fly off to Ibiza for a week's partying. It's a mixed group—we call ourselves the Breakfast Club, and generally I'd say the best ratio for any party is two women to every one man," Diddy deliberates. Hey, when you work so hard to create such extravagant parties for everyone else, why not indulge in the wealth yourself? Gorgeous Jessica Alba is often seen frolicking around in a skimpy bathing suit flaunting her enviable figure. Can you believe she had two kids? The Sin City starlet opts for scantily clad attire while at the beach or while spending solo time with hubby, Cash Warren, on their romantic getaways. The lovebirds are incredibly devoted to their bundles of joy, Honor and Haven, so they rarely take the time to get away alone. Earlier this year, the adorable couple leisurely vacationed in Cabo with their fashionista daughter, Honor. The hands-on parents cheered on Honor as she made it down a water slide by herself!  Barts with a group of pals, including Nicole Richie, celebrating Kelly Sawyer's and movie producer Jamie Patricof's wedding anniversary. The carefree mother was living the good life while she cuddled in the sun with her husband and cannonballed into the water. Surely, Honor and Haven were safe and sound back at home patiently waiting for their mommy's and daddy's return!   When Orlando Bloom and his model-wife, Miranda Kerr, want to get away with their adorable toddler, Flynn, they like to do so in supreme style. Flynn is one lucky toddler who has gallivanted all over the world with mom and dad to places like Bora Bora and Hamilton Island. Serene Miranda is often seen strolling along the beach with Flynn and her actor husband. On a vacation to Cancun this past year, Miranda displayed her model body as she sunbathed on the beach, while ripped Bloom was spotted swimming and paddle boarding in the ocean. One thing is for sure, the perfect-looking pair and their precious toddler live a good life!   The relaxing dream destinations that the celebrities venture to with their loved ones are most certainly locations that anyone would want to escapade to! Come back as a celebrity in another lifetime? Don't mind if I do!       By Pauline Guy Summertime is the perfect season for the stars to get away and steal some much-needed relaxation time with their families and friends. With a plethora of exotic destinations to choose from, A-listers spare no expense whatsoever. Whether traveling by mega yacht or staying in a five-star resort, the rich and famous seize the breaks in their schedules to submerge themselves in extravagant, exotic vacation locations. The famous Kardashian clan is known for their ultra-luxe lifestyle, and that does not exclude luxurious vacations. One of their favorite hotspots is the stunning tropical French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, where Bruce and Kris Jenner renewed their wedding vows. For three-time Oscar-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio, Monaco and Venice, Italy, are the spots for him! Jennifer Lopez is one of the hardest-working women in Hollywood. While focusing on her music, fashion or producing films, she still manages to carve out some R and R time with her adorable twins, Emme and Max Anthony, and her 25-year-old beau, Casper Smarts. Even though Lopez put her Miami Beach home on the market years back, the singer-actress can't get enough of the city. The gorgeous entertainer has been photographed in Miami several times this year alone, for both work and pleasure. The "Live It Up" singer chose to film her music video in Miami, and she also accepted her Premios Juventud Award and celebrated an early 43rd birthday in the Magic City.   Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is the destination of choice for many A-listers, from LL Cool J and his beautiful wife, Simone, to Jennifer Aniston, Justin Theroux, George Clooney and Stacy Keibler—they all can't get enough of this simply gorgeous city.   Tourists clamor to St. Tropez throughout the year, but the natural beauty, glitz and glamour attracts celebs to this French town mostly during the summer. Stars like Uma Thurman, Ryan Seacrest, Jamie Foxx, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis can't get enough of St. Trop sun! Bajamas-born beauty Rihanna has put her native Barbados on the map and she serves as a tourism ambassador for her home country. At any given time of the year, you can spot tons of A-listers—Prince Harry, Katy Perry, Simon Cowell, Penelope Cruz, Tiger Woods, or the "Diamonds" singer herself bike riding through the woods, playing dominoes on the beach, or simply looking gorgeous while frolicking or tanning on the beach. Barbados is certainly a celeb hotspot. With all of the places to go and things to see, here are our top 10 celeb getaways! Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Palm Jumeirah Island, Dubai Barbados Bora Bora St. Tropez, France Honolulu, Hawaii Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Monaco Anguilla Turtle Island, Fiji Packing For Your Celeb Boss Travel How To Pack It Right When preparing for a trip, the first decision that needs to be made is what to pack. This decision will be handled by the person traveling or by the personal assistant. If you are in charge of this, try to pack clothing that travels well (with fewer wrinkles). If you follow this advice, the person traveling will not need an assistant to unpack and iron all the clothing when they reach their destination. Once your employer or their personal assistant determines what clothing to pack, it is up to the household manager to see that the clothing is folded and packed properly. If only one person is traveling for a business trip, it should not take more than one or two hours to pack the needed items. If your employer's family is relocating for the summer or the holidays, it might take a few weeks to get everything ready. Consider, too, that some families might already have some clothing and daily essentials at each home. Individuals with means who travel frequently might have many different styles of luggage to meet certain packing needs. There could be a specially designed suitcase with separate compartments for shoes, belts, jewelry, hats, toiletry items, etc. Review the luggage and determine which would most efficiently handle the clothing and personal items. If you move clothing to another area to pack, you might use a clothing rack (such as those used at fine hotels) to transport the clothing.  These racks also come in handy when moving clothing into storage. There are many different folding and packing styles you can utilize when preparing your employer's luggage. Regardless, it is impossible to pack clothing properly without an ample supply of tissue paper. When used correctly, tissue paper protects the clothing and helps prevent wrinkling. White florist tissue paper can be purchased in large quantities from a wholesale florist supply shop. This tissue paper has a lightly waxed coating on one side and provides more substance when packing clothing, or stuffing purses or the tips of shoes. Plastic dry cleaning bags are helpful in preventing wrinkles or damage to the garments you are packing. A good dry cleaner can provide you with large rolls of these plastic bags, as well as cardboard collars for shirts, acid-free tissue paper, and foam covers for hangers. Place shoes stuffed with socks or tissue paper in fabric or plastic bags to help hold their shape and protect them from scuffing. Always pack a suitcase or duffel bag with the heaviest items on the bottom (shoes), and be sure to completely fill the corners. Roll cottons and knits, including underwear, sweaters, and pants, and pack them as bumpers against each other. When packing delicate or semi-delicate items, use tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags to protect the items and prevent wrinkling.  Place toiletries in Ziploc bags (double bags give an added measure of protection against spills) and bury them between garments. Finally, shore up the sides with hard items, like books or even an umbrella. Each bag should be filled to its proper capacity. Large suitcases and duffel bags should be full to prevent items from shifting. To check if a bag is filled to its capacity, drop it on the floor a few times.  The items inside will settle and make a little more room, if there is any left.   Hanging garment bags are designed to stay flat and flexible without bulging at the seams. Do not over-pack these bags; for more space, try layering clothes over one another on the hanger. Should the luggage not have a specific area for shoes, consider using shoe bags to protect the shoes and clothing from each other. Pressure changes during air travel can cause the liquid bottles (shampoo, etc.) within luggage to leak. To protect clothing should this occur, pack toiletries in Ziploc plastic bags before putting them into a cosmetic bag. By Pauline Guy Summer is here! It is the time of the year when most celebrities are busy trotting the globe with their families, friends and loved ones for some much-deserved downtime. It is also the time when they need the help of their loyal staff more than ever—for packing and unpacking, and for caring for their children while they are relaxing on vacation. The staff is there to ensure that their celeb boss's travel runs as smoothly and safely as possible. One of the many perks of working for an A-lister is getting to travel to the most exotic locations in the world! Understandably, anyone of these lucky workers might be tempted to indulge in the experience of enjoying the vacation; however, it is very important for staff to remember that they are working and that they are not on vacation. Their job is to work hand-in-hand to help their boss—period! Here are some do's and don'ts when traveling with your celeb boss that might save you your job! Your boss lives a life of luxury. He/she clearly needs more assistance than the average individual.  You were hired simply because the employer felt that you were the ideal person to handle his/her very hectic schedule and do it in a professional manner. Although you are accompanying your boss on vacation, always remember that this is still a job. Naturally, when your boss is on vacation, he/she might let his/her guard down and as a result, a more relaxed and laid-back environment is fostered. You might even find yourself joking around a bit more with your employer who you never realized was so darn funny! Do not allow your boss's bewitching charm or humor to interfere with your usual discretion. Do not confuse these moments of bonding with reality—always remember to give your boss and his/her family the space and alone time they need. When traveling, the per diem for employees varies, depending on the employer. These allowances are to be used for your meals and your personal needs only. Regardless of the inflated prices in some countries, it is important not to take advantage of your boss's generosity. Do not run up huge tabs. Oftentimes the staff can get carried away while on vacation by ordering alcohol beverages and expensive dinners, all on the boss's credit card. No matter how much money your boss might have, this is an absolute no-no. Your boss gets to travel to the most beautiful, relaxing, culturally diverse and exotic destinations in the world. The closest you have ever come to any of these places is reading about them in your International History high school text book. Pack a journal and document your experience (as long as you do not breach any rules of your contract with your boss), but do not venture out too far during your downtime to an area where you cannot be reached. This is an easy one to mess up on, especially when factoring in cultural and language barriers. Having your own room would be sweet, but as wealthy as the celebrities are, they do not like hemorrhaging money. You might very well be bunking with one or more of the other staff members. Always remember to keep your area clean; it's just common courtesy to respect your colleague's space. It is typical to be able to take care of others, yet slack off on taking care of oneself, but subjecting your temporary roomie to your bizarre obsession with clipping your toenails before bed, in bed, is not cool. Your coworker might not write your paycheck, but wait until she complains to your boss about your "nightly routines." If you just started working for the family that you are traveling with, please mind your Ps and Qs. This is the case with any of your employers regardless of the duration you have been with them, but in this instance, it is especially crucial to keep to yourself since you have not experienced enough with your boss to know what makes him/her tick. Some people like to share a lot about themselves: others like to remain a closed book. A really good piece of advice: do not get snap-happy with your iPhone.  Celebrities seem to have everything except for privacy. They are constantly being followed and photographed along with their kids by aggressive paparazzi and fans in their day-to-day lives. Their vacation is hopefully an escape from that kind of invasion. So taking pictures of them and their kids are absolutely off limits to you. If you do it will cost you your job. These next words of advice might be the most difficult for you if you are reading this article in the 21st century: Stay off of Facebook. Stay off of Twitter. Stay off of Instagram. For that matter, stay off all social media websites while you are on vacation with your celeb employer. Is plastering a selfie from the Eiffel Tower on your Facebook page (#chillenwithmysuperfamousboss  #paparazzicomeandfindus)so that your ex can see how good you look and how exciting your life is really worth sacrificing your meal ticket? It just seems like a bad idea. Also if you are not careful, you might wind up with thousands of dollars in phone bills. So before you travel outside the United States, check in with your service provider and turn off roaming on your phone. Spend time beforehand researching what the temperature and the weather conditions will be in the locations you are traveling to, and pack accordingly. Also you cannot have more luggage than your bosses. They will send you packing. Surely, you have vicariously imagined yourself as the leading man or leading lady of your favorite sappy romantic movie. Who hasn't? The formula for romance is often heightened when in a foreign country. Plus, there are so many exotic hotties out and about who are probably digging you and thinking that you are just as exotic and hot! Don't mistake this animalistic lust for everlasting love. While on duty at your exotic location, stay away from "new romances"—this will not only save your job but your health and heart as well. Hopefully you are feeling more prepared to accompany your celebrity boss on his/her dream getaway. Enjoy the journey—you deserve every moment of it! The Queen's 80Th Birthday Recalls All The Pomp And Preparation Of A Sumptuous Royal Banquet For the past two months, all of the United Kingdom, and in fact, the English-speaking world, has been celebrating the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty celebrated her actual birthday on April 21. But the Queen also celebrates her official, Royal birthday on 17 June 2006. The tradition of having an official birthday for the Sovereign was begun for practical reasons. Monarchs who had their birthdays in the winter months often encountered problems due to cold, wet weather spoiling parades and other outdoor celebrations. King Edward VII, who was born on 9 November, was the first English sovereign to mark his official birthday on a separate day from his actual birthday. Nowadays, this allows plenty of time for a series of celebratory events throughout the Kingdom. There will be ceremonies and parades, public banquets and private dinners. Among these, the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh host a star-studded "Service Over 60" reception at Buckingham Palace honoring distinguished service by those in that age group, adding to a record roster of public ceremonies at the Palace. Since her Coronation in 1952, Her Majesty has hosted more than 1.1 million people to events hosted at Buckingham Palace or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. On June 6, the Royal Collection publishes the official birthday souvenir album, including a unique biography and photos of a reign that rivals those of Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria in length and history. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will mark the milestones in a National Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on June 15. Finally, the festivities will wind up with a children's party at Buckingham Palace on June 25, celebrating British children's literature and the wonder of books. Tending to everyday royal life is never simple and requires diligent staffs of professionals expert in every detail of the Queen's household and official needs. These go on as usual. In addition, Her Majesty's 80th birthday ceremonies require special preparations and care above and beyond the royal call of duty. I know the exacting demands first-hand, having been involved in such events, including preparation of a large banquet for Queen Elizabeth II Herself on a visit to New York City 15 years ago. The Queen's 80th birthday events brought all this back to me. Everything one does in connection with the Queen must be done with proper protocol and precision, starting with invitations for a dinner party for royalty. Was I invited? Sort of, but not really. As the Executive Caterer in charge of the event my invitation is of a different kind altogether. For me, this is an invitation to start working immediately. This was a top priority occasion that takes precedence over the many important catering events that my calendar is already filled with - weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, the list is endless. The invitation is about planning, not just a casual call for RSVP. This is where methodical timing becomes your best friend. Starting with the invitation, the hosts and their staff must create and follow a time line as exacting as any military operation. The time line you set up must follow many tracks – organization, securing and readying a locale, procurement and preparation of foods, and so forth. It must allow for every possible eventuality. There is no room for delays. Preparations must go into immediate effect. The special banquet I was planning would host a total of 20 guests, including Bloomingdale, Forbes, and Lady Bird Johnson. Our hostess, Lady Eccoles, approves the menu while I selected the Chief Butler who would hand pick an extravagant wine selection from the downstairs cellar. The assortment consisted of a 1980 Domain Louis LaTour Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru, a 1973 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and a 1986 Dom Perignon Oenotheque Champagne. Our excitement peaked as we neared the date. From here on out it will be day-by-day, then finally, hour-by-hour.   Two days prior to the Event: The table set up is prepared. As the 18th century King Edward silverware and candelabras are checked and carefully accounted for, we make sure that everything matches the menu. For example, we must have a fish fork since fish is being served. The plates and silverware must be wrapped in plastic to preserve the shine till the unveiling. The 18th century Chippendale is cleaned with vinegar and water. The Steuben glass, ashtrays, stemware and gold plated saltcellars presented to the Grolier club by Queen Adelaide are steam cleaned, polished, dried, and covered. The twenty places are perfectly spaced (18th in. width) using the old "rule of thumb" between knife, salad, and fish forks. The table to the back of the chair is measured using a 20-inch yardstick to make a perfect line.  The guest list is reviewed by the librarian and his assistant, who will diplomatically seat all of the guests in the proper position.   The Day before the Event: The meats arrive from the city butchers one by one. The finest grade filet mignon is accompanied by fresh d'artagnan fois gras. All vegetables are then handpicked from various markets around the city and final preparations begin.   The Day of the Event: As the cleaners make way through the lobby to the grand staircase, the marble floors are polished and the Grolier Club red carpet is rolled out to the front door. The champagne and white wine are chilled for the guests, who are due to arrive at 6:00PM promptly.   3:30PM: The security, reception and coat check areas prepare their stations. 5:45PM : The guests begin to make their way in. A limousine with Lord and Lady Eccoles pulls up. The Queen and Prince Phillip's motorcade arrives at 6:00PM exactly. The 6th floor counsel room prepares the seating for dinner. The first course is plated in the kitchen and brought out briskly on hot plates. Guests enjoy the food as they relax and exchange conversation. The plates are then methodically removed and the silverware is inspected for the main course presentation. A 1973 Château Lafite is poured. The crown of filet is perfectly medium rare and set in a red wine reduction sauce topped with fresh pan seared fois gras. Guests are truly satisfied while they make way for the traditional British dessert – a simple, yet elegant, Devonshire Cream Cake. The dinner is a great success, and I can now finally relax. As the guests filter down to the great exhibition hall, I take a last look at her majesty, the Queen of England, as she turns to Prince Phillip walking by her side. This has been a royal dinner party indeed! Celebrities Staffing Services® BEVERLY HILLS, CA 9201 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 205, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Tel:  310-273-0958 • Fax: 310-273-0954 info@canyceleb-staffing.com NEW YORK, NY 20 Vesey Street, Suite 510, New York, NY 10007 Tel:  212-227-3877 • Fax: 212-227-3990 celeb.domes@verizon.net GREENWICH, CT 500 W. Putnam Ave., Suite 400 Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203-542-0728 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 303 Twin Dolphin Dr., 6th Floor Redwood City, CA 94065 Tel: 415-839-8066 NEWPORT BEACH, CA Tel: 949-200-7050     PALM SPRINGS, CA Tel: 760-904-4670     SAN DIEGO, CA Tel: 858-751-7987     LAS VEGAS, NV Tel: 702-758-8815 www.celebrities-staffing.com   Copyright © 2013 Celebrities Staffing Services, All rights reserved. Joined on our Celebrities Staffing website. Our mailing address is: Celebrities Staffing Services 9201 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 205 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences